By the way, @chicfarmer, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to ask to see the weaving that your handsome Knifewing pals are lying on. 
1 Like
Ha, well, it’s just a little guy: a Chimayo weaving, coaster size. We’ve been buying Chimayo goods for years on the High Road, love the very old Rio Grande weaving tradition. I always pick up coaster sets for gifts.
The shop we patronize most steadily is Centinela Traditional Arts, the home of the National Heritage Award winner Irvin Trujillo and his wife Lisa. Irvin is literally a National Treasure, 7th generation New Mexico weaver; this is an award given by the National Endowment for the Arts, modeled after the Japanese Living Treasure citations, awarded to the finest traditional artists in diverse craft fields. The Trujillos do the major artworks, while some local weavers make the souvenir things like coasters.
https://www.chimayoweavers.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqP4_DPfcQdAb1g1JRmObsGEDM0cg7saY5MyCbHu8Wkgwr7TfUR
7 Likes
So pretty! That’s a great idea, little weavings for coasters. I have a Chimayo rug on my dining room table that I inherited from my mom which she bought in ABQ several decades ago. I believe the card says Aceves weavers. I know very little about these weavings. But yours made a great background for your knifewings!
3 Likes
Awesome stuff @chicfarmer, thank you for sharing! I really enjoy learning the things that other passionate people get up to. I really like your coaster size weaving! 
As promised, here are a few close ups of your Knifewing’s relative.
7 Likes
Thanks for the close up photo, Aaron. A lot of beautiful work went into that little guy. Was it the top left white shell inlay that was lost? I see that it is slightly larger. Was the original the same size as the other three?
1 Like
Good morning, Tom,
It was actually the one in the bottom left. It doesn’t really appear in the photos, but the portion of shell that Jimmy utilized for the repair has a bit more of an iridescent quality, as opposed to the almost pure white of the other three.
But as I mentioned, I’m grateful for Jimmy’s willingness as well as his craftsmanship, and I still wear this one with a smile.
1 Like
I see it now, Aaron. FWIW, it certainly doesn’t diminish the overall beauty of this piece at all. Glad you were able to get it replaced!
2 Likes
Oh my gosh, @chicfarmer, I believe we visited Centinela Traditional Arts and the weaving studio years ago. We love traveling the high road, and met some friends in Chimayo. I believe it was the Trujillos who discussed the Chimayo weavings with us (this was in the early 2000’s). The weaving were amazing to behold. I did buy some of the small coasters, but unfortunately gave them away to friends…wish I still had some. Actually wish I would have splurged and purchased a weaving! And I’m also remembering those fabulous lunchs at Rancho de Chimayo! Thanks for reminding me of Chimayo, must get back there before too long!
3 Likes
@Ravenscry and @chicfarmer. Wonderful to see your “cousin” thunderbolt knifewings. These are a new form to me…but they are very cool!
Back in 2021, there was a discussion about these guys, attributing them to Eskiesosie:
In that thread, one Forum contributor, had an interesting thought:
“I think this could be a Snake Dancer kachina rather than a Knifewing. It has the snake on the front and I am wondering if the “wings” are really to represent rainclouds. I also think if it was a Knifewing it would have a flared tail.”
Who knows what the artist had in mind with the snake and thunderbolts, but this is an interesting thought.
2 Likes
Both beautiful examples, Tom, showcased by an exceptional photograph! I really like the amount of jet in the pin, it sets off the turquoise!
Thank you for sharing!
3 Likes
I shared a photo of my (only) Rainbow Man somewhere else on the forum, but I guess it sort of belongs here!
This all-turquoise brooch came without provenance, and as you can see from the back, it is unsigned. But I like it very much. The cascade of raindrops (?) coming from his chest is very graceful. His earrings are also curious – I’ve looked and looked, but never managed to find another Rainbow Man with earrings like this.
I’d love to know the maker, but I will probably never find out.
15 Likes
@chamekke What a unique, fabulous Rainbowman! Wonderful silverwork and I love the all-turquoise form; and the turquoise, whatever it is, is beautiful! I’d buy this in a second😄.
6 Likes
@chamekke, your Rainbow Man is lovely. I recall the discussion concerning it here…
It looks like it’s got some age to it, and I agree with @Bmpdvm, the turquoise is just fantastic! I really like the all-turquoise inlay and the minute sawtooth bezels are a huge plus, in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing it, it was a joy to see it again!
3 Likes
I must agree with the FB Historic Zuni Jewelry assessment. It certainly has that Blue Gemish look, just purely yummy!!
5 Likes
OK, I’ll play…I went outside just Knifewings & Rainbowmen and added a acouple butterfly’s…just cause.
(Hope it’s not a sacrilege to display Zuni pieces on a Hopi coiled basket…
)
13 Likes
@chamekke, I remember this one, what beautiful turquoise!!
2 Likes
Beautiful pieces @Bmpdvm. I see what look like two Horace Iule Knifewings! If you find a convenient moment, I would love to see closer images of the central, cast Knifewing, (looks like a Iule creation) as well as the one directly above him.
I had a Sunface sneek into my photo…
…these Zuni pieces tend to stick together, apparently. 
Thank you for sharing!
1 Like